Mohembo bridge creates hundreds of jobs
Boniface Keakabetse | Tuesday December 20, 2016 14:43
Kgoboko told North West District Councillors on Wednesday that the project commenced on November 8 and will be completed in July 2019. He said the cable-stayed bridge, aesthetically designed to enhance the look of the Okavango Delta, will cost P1, 045, 510, 751, 77 and will be constructed by Italian Joint venture of Cimolai and Itenira companies. He said the first five months, the contractor would mobilise resources.
He further stated that contractually, the contractor would outsource 30% of works to Batswana companies. “Roads and electrification works are some of the works which have been reserved for citizen contractors,” he stated.
Kgoboko further shared that Mohembo Bridge will boost regional tourism and destinations such as Lake Ngami, Tsodilo Hills and potential water sports along the Okavango basin. However he bemoaned that the project may result in an influx of people to the area, which could result in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
Oitsile Dikgang, Department of Roads principal environmental officer, said that the project would observe strict environmental impact considerations because it happens on a fragile environment. “We will make sure that the project does not affect the water, air, aquatic and the general river ecology.” He stated that an inter-ministerial committee would be formed to make sure the project adheres to stipulated environmental considerations. He however explained that some ploughing fields would be repossessed and compensated for to establish a camp for construction workers.
Shakawe/ Mohembo East Councillor, Matsaudi Matsaudi welcomed the bridge, saying it will save people from the inconvenience of the pantoon, as people have suffered for the last 50 years as it was only operational during the day. “With the new bridge, people can cross the Okavango River any time of the day,” he said. Councillors, however advised that they want the bridge not to become the next ‘Shakawe senior’ calling for robust supervision to avoid any defects on the project, which could also pose environmental hazards.